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Thinking Of Getting A Tattoo? These 35 Pics Reveal How Tattoos Age Over Time

Your new tattoo might look pretty awesome now, but have you ever wondered what it'd look like when you're older? Well, check out this list compiled by Bored Panda, to see for yourself how tattoo ink fades over time.

There are many reasons as to why this happens. The type of ink can make a big difference for example, with cheaper ink often fading much quicker than higher quality alternatives. The color of the ink makes a big difference too, as the lighter the ink, the faster it fades (remember that next time you're thinking about getting one of those white ink tattoos!). Another thing to consider is the placement of your tattoo, as this can also influence the speed with which it fades. Tattoos on areas that see a lot of activity, such as your feet and your fingers, are much more likely to fade more quickly than tattoos on your back or chest for example. Also, the tattoo design comes in play too - the smaller and more intricate the detailing is, the more chance it will get blurred years later. And never forget to search for a highly skilled and qualified tattoo artist, as he is the one who will execute the work itself.

One way to keep your tattoo looking fresh is to ensure that you follow the proper healing procedures as even the best tattoos can be affected by not taking proper care. Most tattoo parlors will advise you about this, so make sure you pay attention! Also, as tempting as it might be, don't spend too much time touching your new tattoo idea that came to life, as this can lead to discoloration and infection. Finally, if your tattoo is new then try to keep it out of the sun, and even when it's fully healed, make sure you always wear the highest SPF sunscreen on any exposed tattoos whenever you're out and about.

#6

When I had decided to get the tattoo done, I knew that the area was not ideal and that the tattoo would fade at some point. I made a point to follow the aftercare instructions "to a T". My expectation was that I would have this tattoo for longer than a week.

It's called a blowout. Happens when the needle goes too deep into the skin. Fingers are very hard to do, the skin is flimsy. It could happen the most skilled artists. It's just a poor choice in placement. That's all.

I was gonna say something similar, probably the ones that faded super fast (like the lipstick one which honestly that probably did you a favor that was one of the shittiest tats Ive ever seen) the artist probably just put the ink to close to the highest layer of skin

Yeah, it depends on how good the artist is. I've had some for over 20 years and they still look new. My daughter has a very colorful one on her entire arm and even though it's nearly a decade old, it looks brand new. That's why you pick the artist very carefully!

exactly...bored pandas. Thay cannot reach a good picture if is not on google images ( first page if possible). Anyway, I'm glad facebook people can see what happens when you try to get a cheap tattoo in a drunk night. Still i have to take 20 minutes to explain a costumer why small tattoos are not a good choice...and still they want the bad choice.

If you get a tattoo, there is an understanding that upkeep is essential to keep it from looking ultra faded. Also don't pick a garbage tattoo artist, because some of these look like cheap basement tattoos.

I find some of these hard to believe. I've had a tattoo for 8 years now and it looks as good as the day I got it. Even the artist was amazed by how good my color has held up. But then again everyone has different skin types and different methods for tattoo care.

Color normally fades. It depends on the quality of ink, how deep the tat is, how well your skin holds the ink.
Example, just a simple quick note jotted on my hand in basic pen ink takes almost a week to fully wash off my skin. This includes using pumous soaps and scrubing. The knowledge of the artist is a factor as well. Tattoo artists expect to see this happen. When it doesnt or doesnt happen at the normal rate yeah they are suprised. I have one with a very vibrant blue. Got it 9 years ago. It still looks the same. Yes, ive had other artists ask how old it is and yes, they are suprised at how much color is still in the tat with no touch ups done.

we always know what is going to happen when the client makes a bad choice, that's why we freak out when finger tattoos actually stay. Which i don't understand is why everybody know more than a tattooer, i wish I could know more that a doctor when I have no fucking idea what a bypass is or how is it performed, or more than my mechanic...when I have never fix a car in my entire life. Some people is just born too smart.

That's exactly what we tell to the people together with the after care instructions. They make problems to pay the tattoo...but actually they don't care if it gets screwed...because people is so smart that thinks we are bored and like to look like important people and that's why we tell them to take care of their tattoo properly. Here the clue: people who don't care about getting a tattoo ( "my friend is doing it, so am I) normally don't care about the after care and they even laugh on your face. Good their tattoos fade away, the tattoo god exists.

Not really, all tattoos will usually fade a bit. It is more of a tattoo "settling into the skin". So some of the vibrancy tones down. Some people keep the vibrancy which does not always happen. I worked in a tattoo shop and have many tattoos. They all still look awesome, even the older ones. The pictures this page used are not really accurate for what they wanted to convey. If it is a bad tattoo or on the pads of hands, feet or fingers it is not going to stay without touch ups, sometimes quite a few.

Old people's tattoos age very poorly due to lack of elasticity & aging of the skin & underlying tissues, I agree that some artists are much better than others & their tattoos remain clear & vibrant longer. Some inked people have special oils that they apply to their inked areas that help as well. Working with doctors, we are finding more & more laser surgeries to remove tattoos , especially on face & neck.

old people's tattoos are done long time a go, different technics, materials, and again...long time a go. And they look rad, because they are real. Done when people was not all the time asking "is it gonna hurt? is it gonna hurt?.

yes poor ink -poor result/ good artist-good tattoo and vice versa I'm a tattooist my colour work still looks good 10 yrs on the examples on here look bad more due to placement i.e. fingers near soles of feet lips and palms…. a good tattooist would tell you to expect the tattoo to fall out in these places its not due to ink or skill…. just the fact the body parts go through more abrasive movement than say a thigh or an arm. very old colour tattoos i.e. the ones u see on older people have faded due to sun exposure and the fact ink wasn't as good back in the day as it is now.

I was gonna say something similar, probably the ones that faded super fast (like the lipstick one which honestly that probably did you a favor that was one of the shittiest tats Ive ever seen) the artist probably just put the ink to close to the highest layer of skin

Yeah, it depends on how good the artist is. I've had some for over 20 years and they still look new. My daughter has a very colorful one on her entire arm and even though it's nearly a decade old, it looks brand new. That's why you pick the artist very carefully!

exactly...bored pandas. Thay cannot reach a good picture if is not on google images ( first page if possible). Anyway, I'm glad facebook people can see what happens when you try to get a cheap tattoo in a drunk night. Still i have to take 20 minutes to explain a costumer why small tattoos are not a good choice...and still they want the bad choice.

If you get a tattoo, there is an understanding that upkeep is essential to keep it from looking ultra faded. Also don't pick a garbage tattoo artist, because some of these look like cheap basement tattoos.

I find some of these hard to believe. I've had a tattoo for 8 years now and it looks as good as the day I got it. Even the artist was amazed by how good my color has held up. But then again everyone has different skin types and different methods for tattoo care.

Color normally fades. It depends on the quality of ink, how deep the tat is, how well your skin holds the ink.
Example, just a simple quick note jotted on my hand in basic pen ink takes almost a week to fully wash off my skin. This includes using pumous soaps and scrubing. The knowledge of the artist is a factor as well. Tattoo artists expect to see this happen. When it doesnt or doesnt happen at the normal rate yeah they are suprised. I have one with a very vibrant blue. Got it 9 years ago. It still looks the same. Yes, ive had other artists ask how old it is and yes, they are suprised at how much color is still in the tat with no touch ups done.

we always know what is going to happen when the client makes a bad choice, that's why we freak out when finger tattoos actually stay. Which i don't understand is why everybody know more than a tattooer, i wish I could know more that a doctor when I have no fucking idea what a bypass is or how is it performed, or more than my mechanic...when I have never fix a car in my entire life. Some people is just born too smart.

That's exactly what we tell to the people together with the after care instructions. They make problems to pay the tattoo...but actually they don't care if it gets screwed...because people is so smart that thinks we are bored and like to look like important people and that's why we tell them to take care of their tattoo properly. Here the clue: people who don't care about getting a tattoo ( "my friend is doing it, so am I) normally don't care about the after care and they even laugh on your face. Good their tattoos fade away, the tattoo god exists.

Not really, all tattoos will usually fade a bit. It is more of a tattoo "settling into the skin". So some of the vibrancy tones down. Some people keep the vibrancy which does not always happen. I worked in a tattoo shop and have many tattoos. They all still look awesome, even the older ones. The pictures this page used are not really accurate for what they wanted to convey. If it is a bad tattoo or on the pads of hands, feet or fingers it is not going to stay without touch ups, sometimes quite a few.

Old people's tattoos age very poorly due to lack of elasticity & aging of the skin & underlying tissues, I agree that some artists are much better than others & their tattoos remain clear & vibrant longer. Some inked people have special oils that they apply to their inked areas that help as well. Working with doctors, we are finding more & more laser surgeries to remove tattoos , especially on face & neck.

old people's tattoos are done long time a go, different technics, materials, and again...long time a go. And they look rad, because they are real. Done when people was not all the time asking "is it gonna hurt? is it gonna hurt?.

yes poor ink -poor result/ good artist-good tattoo and vice versa I'm a tattooist my colour work still looks good 10 yrs on the examples on here look bad more due to placement i.e. fingers near soles of feet lips and palms…. a good tattooist would tell you to expect the tattoo to fall out in these places its not due to ink or skill…. just the fact the body parts go through more abrasive movement than say a thigh or an arm. very old colour tattoos i.e. the ones u see on older people have faded due to sun exposure and the fact ink wasn't as good back in the day as it is now.